Distribution patterns of alien plants in protected natural areas and their adjacent areas of south-central Chile

Abstract

Natural protected areas (ASP) located in the south-central Chile (Región Metropolitana - Región de la Araucanía) are a conservation relict embedded in agricultural and silvicultural matrices. We compared the taxonomic diversity of native and introduced species in nine sites on ASP and their adjacent matrices, in roadsides and interior habitats. We found 353 species native and 120 introduced. The greater diversity of introduced is concentrated in the matrix adjacent to the ASP and on roadsides. Native species do not differ between the matrix and the ASP. Introduced and native species are grouped according to the climatic gradient. The greater richness and abundance of introduced species is concentrated in the families Poaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Polygonaceae and Rosaceae. The ASP having a higher amount of introduced species are those that have a greater access and visitor numbers. The ASP would be fulfilling its role of protecting wild flora to maintain a low number of introduced species.